How to Recognize a Scam Artist

The relationship may not be what you think, especially if your sweetheart:

wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or IM

claims love in a heartbeat

claims to be from the U.S., but is traveling or working overseas

plans to visit, but is prevented by a traumatic event or a business deal gone sour

Scammers also like to say they’re out of the country for business or military service.

What You Can Do About It

You may lose your heart, but you don’t have to lose your shirt, too. Don’t wire money to cover:

travel

medical emergencies

hotel bills

hospital bills for a child or other relative

visas or other official documents

or losses from a temporary financial setback

Don’t send money to tide someone over after a mugging or robbery, and don’t do anyone a favor by making an online purchase or forwarding a package to another country. One request leads to another, and delays and disappointments will follow. In the end, the money will be gone along with the person you thought you knew.